THE council has received interest from businesses interested in investing in Albert Basin.
Councillors were due to make a decision at yesterday’s (Monday) Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism Committee regarding whether or not they should pursue funding opportunities to upgrade the electrical supply and access requirements at Albert Basin.
The notice of the meeting stated: ‘The Albert Basin is located directly opposite the Quays Shopping Centre and therefore an extremely busy end of the city.
“The council has received interest from a number of private sector businesses regarding the potential to offer trading opportunities from this location for eg restaurant/sandwich bar concepts.
“Trading at this location would require the allocation of trading pitches.’
The new Newry, Mourne and Down District Council now has the power to approve planning applications and it is hoped that the new super council areas can benefit from this new role.
Newry Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the chance of investment at Albert Basin: ‘Newry Chamber welcomes the council’s initiative to investigate the potential for trading bays in the Albert Basin vicinity,’ said a spokesperson.
“As Newry’s waterfront gateway into the city centre, the Albert Basin has a great potential as a tourism attraction.
The addition of restaurants/sandwich bars will encourage local citizens and visitors alike to enjoy and utilise this important and historic Newry waterfront area, further adding to Newry’s tourism and service offering.’
At the time of going to press, the council could not comment on the investment plans as they were unable to release a statement ‘prior to a committee meeting’.
Newry Democrat
9th June 2015
“